As a Visiting Scholar, one of my jobs is to observe all kinds of classes. The first class I attended was taught by Lynda Hartel, associate professor and associate director for Knowledge Integration. After Lynda’s class, Stephanie Schulte invited me to attend her class. Stephanie is the head of Research & Education in the Health Sciences Library. Her class surprised me even more.
On March 8th, at around 11:40am, Stephanie stopped by my office to get me. She was taking me to grand rounds in Starling loving Hall. It was a typical, cold winter day in Columbus, so Stephanie decided to use the underground tunnel to get to the class. The long tunnel was just like a puzzle, with many exits. I bet you would get lost if nobody was showing the way. Fortunately, I was with Stephanie. Just a few minutes later, we got to the classroom.
Once I walked in the room, I was shocked by what I saw. I stopped, I was not sure if I was supposed to keep going. I thought I was in the wrong room. In front of me, I saw a long dining table with a lot of foods and drinks. There was bread, rice, roast beef, salads, beans and soft drinks. They made my stomach growl. Two people were setting the table and preparing the food. It looked like they were going to have a party. I thought to myself: “I am going to a class, not a party. If this is the right room, am I supposed to join in and eat? I didn’t recall Stephanie had ever mentioned lunch or party. “Do not do anything stupid. Just wait and see what Stephanie does.” I watched. Physicians walked in, grabbed some food and sat down. Meanwhile Stephanie set up the computer and got ready for the class. At noon, Stephanie started her lecture while the physicians were eating.
Eating while learning, it was interesting. Food is not allowed in class at my school. Actually most schools in China, eating while the teacher is teaching or talking is considered rude and disrespectful. Food is not even allowed in our library buildings. But here you can eat while the professor is teaching, that is a huge difference, but I like it a lot! It was informal, it was more relaxing, it can save you time. I love the idea!
I posted about Lunch and Learn on WeChat, the most popular social media in China, I got a lot of comments. Everybody loved the idea. Many of them said if there was a Lunch- and- Learn, they would like to go every day.